Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of abuses being experienced by some of the elderly people in our nursing homes. It is a good thing that it is also the easiest to detect, because its consequences are very obvious.

According to the website of Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, physical abuse can be subject to legal action. You should always look for the signs to determine if your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, so you can immediately take action and hold the nursing home liable. Sometimes, you just can’t expect your loved one to speak up, maybe because of their physical limitations or fear.

Obvious Physical Effects

The most obvious signs of physical abuse are unexplained injuries. If your loved one has bruises, cuts, fractures, and other unjustifiable injuries, he or she may be experiencing physical abuse. Also watch out for abrasions that look like injuries from rope restraints and the like, because many physical abuse cases involve the excessive use of force in restraining patients.

Though these injuries may seem minor to you, they can be very significant for elderly people because their bodies are much weaker and vulnerable.

Subtle Physical Effects

Aside from unexplained wounds, you should also be aware of other subtler physical traits that may be seen as signs of physical abuse. Some of these traits include malnutrition, dehydration, increased vulnerability to illnesses, and sudden weight loss. These traits are often associated with dizziness, skin dryness, loss of appetite, and low blood pressure.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

Physical abuse does not just affect physical attributes. They can also affect the emotional and psychological being of your loved one. If he or she is acting differently, he or she may be a victim of physical abuse. Some signs are agitation, anxiety, depression, fear of others, and refusal to take medication. These can have negative effects in the health of your loved one.

You loved one does not deserve to be on the mercy of an abusive medical staff. If you think your loved one has been experiencing physical abuse in the nursing home, it is best to remove him or her from the abusive situation. Seek professionals that will help your loved one recover from the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of physical abuse.